Top Venture Capital Firms in Berkeley, California

For founders preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital ecosystem in Berkeley and the wider East Bay is a critical step. The area is a hub for innovation across many sectors, from SaaS and fintech to deep tech fields like biotech and AI. To help you find the right partners for your pre-seed or seed funding round, our team at Rho has curated this overview of the top venture capital firms for startups active in the region.

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Which Berkeley VC Firms Are Right for Your Stage?

Knowing which investors to approach is important at every point in your company’s growth, from the earliest days to preparing for an exit. To help you connect with the right people, here is a quick overview of which Berkeley VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms

Pre-seed and seed funding is the initial capital you'll raise to validate your idea and build a minimum viable product. For founders looking for pre-seed or seed VC firms, Berkeley has strong options like The House Fund, which focuses on local startups, and Base Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms

Early-stage venture capital firms typically invest in Series A and B rounds, providing capital to help you scale operations and expand your market presence once you have traction. In the Berkeley area, firms such as The House Fund, Base Ventures, and Roda Group are active at this stage, supporting companies as they grow.

Late Stage VC Firms

Late-stage funding is for established companies preparing for major growth, a potential IPO, or an acquisition. While many Berkeley-focused funds concentrate on earlier stages, firms like Roda Group also have a history of investing in more mature technology companies.

Keep in mind that some venture capital firms invest across multiple funding stages, from a company's inception through to its exit.

To help you find the right investment partner, here is our detailed look at the top VC firms in Berkeley. We'll cover key details for each, including their preferred investment stages, sector focus, notable portfolio companies, and what makes them a strong potential partner for your startup.

1. z21 Ventures

z21 Ventures is an operator-led venture capital fund that invests in early-stage technology startups. The firm specializes in companies operating within the US-India corridor, bridging two major tech ecosystems.

A key aspect of their approach is being community-focused, suggesting they provide a strong support network for founders. As an operator-led fund, their team offers practical guidance grounded in direct experience building companies.

This firm is an excellent match for founders building a cross-border business between the United States and India. If you value hands-on support from former operators, z21 Ventures could be a strong partner for your startup.

• Investment stages: Early Stage Venture

• Industries of focus: Technology

• Geographical presence: US-India corridor

• Founded: 2022

• Team background: Operator-led

• Portfolio size: 38 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. The House Fund

The House Fund is a pre-seed and early-stage venture capital firm that invests exclusively in startups founded by UC Berkeley alumni, faculty, or students. They aim to be the first investor, supporting bold companies from their inception.

A unique aspect of the firm is its deep integration with the university's research ecosystem, with a strong focus on AI and deep tech. Their approach is founder-first, providing operational support, access to technical talent, and community through programs like AI@The House.

If you are a Berkeley-affiliated founder, especially in a technical field, The House Fund could be an excellent partner. They are well-suited for teams looking for early capital and a supportive partner to help build the company from the ground up.

• Investment stages: Pre-seed (up to $1M) and Early-stage (up to $2M)

• Industries of focus: AI, deep tech, and research-heavy startups

• Geographical presence: Startups with at least one UC Berkeley-affiliated founder

• Notable portfolio companies: Databricks, Superhuman, Ayar Labs, PsiQuantum

• Portfolio focus: Over 100 startups backed, with 7 unicorns and 20 exits

• Community programs: AI@The House and the BAIR Grant for Berkeley AI researchers

You can refer to their website here.

3. Base Ventures

Base Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in seed and pre-seed companies, operating since 2013. They are a relationship-driven firm known for backing founders with bold, and sometimes unorthodox, ideas.

The firm's approach is founder-first and contrarian, often committing from the first check and leading rounds for founders who challenge conventional thinking. While a generalist fund, they have a strong interest in the Modern Consumer and Enterprise sectors and have a history of backing repeat founders.

Base Ventures is a strong match for founders at the earliest stages who have unconventional visions in consumer or enterprise technology. If you are looking for a partner who is willing to take risks and provide access to a broad network, this firm could be a good fit.

• Investment stages: Seed and Pre-Seed

• Industries of focus: Modern Consumer, Enterprise

• Founded year: Began investing in 2013

• Notable portfolio companies: Method, Olly, Space Perspective, Mos, Mayvenn

• Portfolio focus: 136 founders backed, $1.6B+ capital raised by portfolio companies

You can refer to their website here.

4. Berkeley SkyDeck Fund

Berkeley SkyDeck Fund is the investment arm for UC Berkeley's SkyDeck Accelerator, a program that combines consulting expertise with the resources of a top research university. The fund supports startups emerging from the accelerator, donating 50% of its carried interest back to UC Berkeley.

The fund has a distinct focus on academic founders and science-driven innovation from around the world. It provides significant operational support and community through its accelerator, mentorship programs, and access to a large network of investors and advisors.

This fund is an excellent match for founders with academic or scientific backgrounds, particularly those connected to the UC Berkeley ecosystem. It is ideal for early-stage teams seeking capital and hands-on guidance to commercialize their research.

• Investment stages: Early Stage

• Industries of focus: Academic, scientific, and technology-driven startups

• Geographical presence: Based in Berkeley, supports startups globally

• Fund size: $85M under management

• Portfolio size: Over 300 early-stage investments

• Community programs: SkyDeck Accelerator, SkyAdvisors mentorship program

You can refer to their website here.

5. The Roda Group

The Roda Group is a venture development company that invests in deep tech ventures tackling significant global challenges. They provide entrepreneurs with the resources, expertise, and guidance needed to launch and scale their companies.

The firm is distinguished by its focus on climate change, low-carbon energy, and natural resource management. Their founder-supportive approach emphasizes providing hands-on guidance, leveraging the principals' extensive experience and network to support portfolio companies.

The Roda Group is an excellent match for visionary founders working on deep tech solutions to environmental issues. If you are seeking a partner with operational expertise to help scale an impactful technology venture, they could be a strong fit.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage, Late Stage Venture, and Debt

• Industries of focus: Deep tech, climate change, low-carbon energy, natural resources

• Founded: 1997

• Team background: Built on a 45-year partnership between principals Roger Strauch and Dan Miller, who offer deep experience and a far-reaching network.

• Portfolio size: 31 investments and 8 exits

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About Berkeley, California, United States's VC Scene

Our overview shows that Berkeley's venture capital market is particularly supportive for founders at the beginning of their journey. The majority of firms on our list concentrate on pre-seed and seed rounds, making the area a fertile ground for getting your initial idea off the ground and securing the first institutional capital you need to grow.

Beyond the funding stage, there is a clear emphasis on deep tech, AI, and research-driven startups, largely influenced by UC Berkeley's presence. For founders building in these specialized fields, Berkeley offers a community of investors who possess relevant expertise and are prepared to support ambitious, technical visions.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Approaching the right investors is crucial when your time and resources are limited. We hope this list helps you focus your efforts on the firms most aligned with your vision.

Once your round is closed, the work of building your company continues. Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes so you can get back to what matters.

Our platform provides the tools you need to manage your new capital with confidence. We offer integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay designed for startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms in Berkeley

Do I need a UC Berkeley affiliation to get funded in Berkeley?

While firms like The House Fund focus on UC Berkeley affiliates, it's not a requirement for all. Many VCs in the area, including Base Ventures and The Roda Group, invest in strong founding teams regardless of university ties.

What are the top SaaS venture capital firms in Berkeley?

Many Berkeley VCs are generalists with an interest in strong enterprise software. Firms like Base Ventures have SaaS companies in their portfolio. Always research a fund's recent investments to confirm their current focus on SaaS startups.

How should I prepare my pitch for Berkeley VCs?

Emphasize your technical innovation, market size, and the strength of your founding team. Given the local focus on deep tech and AI, be prepared to clearly explain your core technology and its competitive advantage in the market.

What's the best way to connect with Berkeley investors?

Warm introductions through your network are most effective. Attending local demo days and university-affiliated events can also provide direct access. A well-researched, concise cold email can work if it clearly aligns with the firm's investment thesis.

How can Rho help after I secure seed funding?

Once your round is closed, our platform helps you manage your new capital with confidence. We offer integrated banking, corporate cards, and AP automation to streamline your financial operations. You can get started with Rho in minutes.